Empowering Communities Through Science

Thriving Earth Exchange supports community science by helping communities find resources, project managers, and experts to address their pressing concerns. Together they work to help communities be more empowered, resilient, and responsive.

Start a Project

How It Works

Community members apply to start a project that addresses one or more community-identified environmental or geoscience-related issues. Thriving Earth Exchange pairs selected communities with volunteer Community Science Fellows, who manage the project, and support finding Volunteer Scientists, who contribute their skills and expertise. Together, each team cocreate and execute a 12-18 month community science project with tangible community impacts.

Two women from a project in Corpus Christi, Texas stand next to one another laughing and looking at the camera

Community Leads

Community members submit an application to start a community science project addressing local priorities and issues related to the environment or geoscience.

Start a project

Community Science Fellows

Community Science Fellows apply to volunteer as project managers for a community science project, gaining leadership skills and professional development.

Become a Fellow
A woman wearing gardening glvoes and an apron holds a flower that is part of a rain garden project in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A scientist sits at a table outdoors testing a soil sample to see if it is safe for growing food.

Volunteer Scientists

Volunteers contribute their expertise, resources, and skills to support the technical aspects of projects.

Volunteer Your Expertise

Our Projects

Learn more about our projects by exploring the most recent three below or clicking “All Projects” to view our full portfolio.

All Projects